January 15 Practice Match vs. Nagoya Grampus
On the 4th day of the Okinawa Itoman Camp, a practice match (three 30-minute periods) was held against Nagoya Grampus at Nishizaki Athletic Stadium, resulting in a 1-2 loss. In the first period, many chances were created through short counters, but the ball could not be sent into the net.
At the 5-minute mark of the second period, after the side was heavily shaken, the final line's slide was too slow, allowing a free shot that conceded the opening goal. Near the end, an additional goal was given up from a header off a set piece.
Two minutes into the third period, while chasing a two-goal deficit, the team won the ball deep in the opponent's half, and Kio TANAKA, who was promoted to the top team this season, scored a goal that sparked the counterattack. Despite launching a fierce offensive afterward, the opposing goalkeeper's excellent saves prevented any further goals, and the final whistle blew. The first official match of the season ended with a 1-2 result.
Also, on this day, there was a joyful reunion. Former players Nagai, Tokumoto, and Uchida, who once wore the blue and red, shared smiles and laughter with players and staff, warmly rekindling old friendships.
Post-match Player Comments
<Kio TANAKA>
Q: This was your first official match since turning professional.
A: I knew from my position and playing time that I would have limited minutes on the field, so I thought the only thing expected of me during the time I played was to score. Within that context, I’m glad I was able to score.
Q: You appeared calm during the scoring opportunity.
A: I was consciously trying to keep moving into the penalty area. I believe that led to the goal in a good way. I want to be even more aware of that during practice, and looking back, I think my decision to calmly trap the ball before shooting was a good one.
Q. Please tell us your aspirations for the remainder of the camp.
A. I am aiming to play in the league opening match, so I want to deepen my relationships with my teammates through practice during the camp and also off the pitch. I believe that will lead to better combinations during matches. I’m sure that kind of effort will ultimately lead to goals, so I want to keep doing it.
<Fuki YAMADA>
Q: First, please share your reflections after completing your first external match.
A: There were some tactics we had to implement on the spot, and we hadn’t practiced set pieces at all, so I think it was challenging. But personally, I simply enjoyed playing a match after a long time.
Q: Were there any challenges remaining in the build-up phase?
A: Since it was also my first match with this team, there were parts where I was confused by the differences from the way my previous teams played. I enjoy touching the ball, so this style of soccer, where various players handle the ball while moving toward the goal, is very fun. From now on, I want to steadily align my understanding with my teammates. Since it was still the first game, there were moments when things didn’t quite click, but I think it’s better to view that positively rather than negatively.
Q. There was also a scene where you created a chance from a short counterattack.
A. We had chances, and the timing and coordination like that are gradually coming together, so it was just a matter of me finishing it off. I believe that as I keep doing it, it will naturally become part of my strengths, so I don’t see it as a problem. I think it was good that we were able to create many such scenes in today’s match.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: The first external match of the season ended narrowly with a 1-2 result.
A: We are still in the phase of improving our condition, so I think it’s important to become more active. Today, I played on the pitch with young players, which was a great stimulus. The role of having to lead them became a good source of energy for me.
Q: The coordinated pressing also led to a goal.
A: I believe that moment also showcased my strengths. I go to catch the opponent, intercept there, and quickly head toward the goal. This is something I've done before and is still ingrained in my body. Although that scene was right in front of the goal, I want to continue focusing on high-quality plays that create chances when I break forward into the middle zone or over long distances toward the goal.
Q: How do you feel about being able to assist the rookie Kio TANAKA's success?
A: I also came from the Oita Trinita youth team, so I think I understand how it feels to have just been promoted. It's not an easy world, so that kind of goal can be a turning point. In that sense, I think it was good. Once you're on the pitch, age doesn't matter, but seeing them play with such dedication was very inspiring. Standing on the same pitch with teammates who are all working hard, I also did my best to support them and not hold them back (laughs).
FOCUS ON - Today's Shot -
Today's 'FOCUS ON,' selected by the official photographer, features Kio TANAKA's left-footed shot that marked the team's first goal of the season. Calmly controlling the cross from the right side at his feet and evading the opposing defender, he struck the ball boldly with his left foot, sending the net rippling. For TANAKA, who has just been promoted to the top team, this was truly a signature moment.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
